Balancing Fun and Focus: Navigating ADHD and Gaming

Exploring the link between ADHD and gaming

To examine the link between ADHD and gaming, it’s important to understand the disorder and the nuances within ADHD itself. ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. As many as 2 out of every 3 children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults.

Resources for Mental Health After Traumatic Events

Resources for mental health include enjoying a view of the ocean in Maine.

After an act of violence or devastation, it’s vital to address what’s happened with the children in our lives and provide resources for mental health. The following guide is meant to provide a trauma-attuned framework that can help adults in structuring those difficult conversations.

Helping Students Get Past Chronic Absenteeism and School Refusal

Chronic absenteeism resulting in empty classroom.

Initially it may not seem worrisome to parents when a child doesn’t want to go to school as missing a single day doesn’t qualify as chronic absenteeism. We all have an occasional day when we’d rather just play hooky. But chronic absenteeism because of school refusal or school avoidance is more than a rare instance of not being in the mood for school. It’s a serious issue and a growing problem across the country, at all grade levels.

Understanding Children and Teens with Bipolar Disorder

Toy wooden dolls depicting teens with bipolar disorder showing a sad face and happy face.

Like many other mental health terms, the word “bipolar” has entered the popular lexicon; particularly when we think of “teens with bipolar disorder,” the phrase is frequently misused to describe everything from a moody and unpredictable adolescent to rapidly changing weather conditions. This contributes to a lack of understanding and empathy for individuals who struggle with bipolar disorder, causing both heartache and sometimes shame for them and their families.

Why We Celebrate World Mental Health Day

Student holding globe for World Mental Health Day 2023

As a provider of mental health services in schools, Effective School Solutions’ clinicians see firsthand the challenges students face on a daily basis (listen to our recent podcast to learn more). Students are juggling more responsibilities and commitments than ever and the pressure to succeed is never ending, resulting in an increase in mental health issues. Numerous studies have confirmed the uptick.

Exploring Youth Mental Health: 3 Mentoring Strategies That Work

Two teenagers hugging in mentoring program for youth mental health.

At a juncture in almost every student’s life, typically during the middle school years, the topic of “mentorship” will come to the forefront. Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the academic realm of the Guidance office, on the field for athletics, or in the confines of a practice room for musicians. Youth mentor programs have been shown to have significant positive effects on the mental well-being of students.

Are There Any Positive Effects of Social Media on Teen Mental Health?

Girls taking selfie showing positive effects of social media

Despite considerable handwringing about the fate of technology-obsessed young people, it is important to recognize that the picture is more nuanced. Yes, there are risks, but there is also considerable evidence that there are many positive aspects to social media usage, and that it is possible to help teens learn how to maximize its benefits while optimizing safety and managing its risks.

Promoting Inclusivity in Education: 7 Key Strategies for Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Image of a person has a Flag

As we strive for a society that embraces diversity and celebrates individuality, it is crucial to ensure that schools become nurturing and supportive places for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In this article, we will delve into practical approaches that educators, administrators, and students can adopt to foster acceptance, understanding, and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals. By implementing these strategies, we can work together to build a more inclusive educational landscape where every student feels valued, seen, and empowered to thrive.

Learn more about Funding Sustainable School-Based Mental Health Programs

Complete this form to schedule a free mental health planning session where we will discuss available financial sources you can leverage to fund school-based mental health programs in your district.

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Our Unwavering Focus on Data Collection

At ESS, we have an unrelenting focus on data, measuring results, and communicating to our partners the proven impact our programming has on mental health, school outcomes and financial sustainability.

With every ESS partner, we will:

• Set data driven goals at the beginning of every implementation

• Have regular “Report Card” meetings in which we share the impact of ESS services

• Monitor data along the way to look for potential risk areas so that these can be proactively addressed

Learn more about our Will to Wellness 6 Step Framework

Complete this form to discuss best practices for districts, states, and federal policymakers that will reinvent mental health in schools over the next five years.

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Speak with our experts to learn how your district can improve outcomes and reduce costs

Complete this form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs and challenges and to provide insights on where you may be able to improve mental health support.

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Get a Consultation about Reinventing K-12 Mental Health Care Today

Complete this form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs and challenges and to provide insights on where you may be able to improve mental health support.

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